It seems strange to ask what someone calls the President of the United States. The answer should be a very simple and straightforward. In these days of Christians and churches being hyper political the question should probably be answered from the Bible. I don’t call him Obama, or the anointed one, or Barry or BHO, or any other name. I call him Mr. President as my forefathers from the founding of this nation saw fit and I call him President Obama. It is a title of respect, and honor. It is a title due his position and authority.
Some Christians unfortunately feel they have a right to respect whom they choose and to hold with contempt whom they will. They cannot however look to the Scriptures for support of their position. Am I saying that the President is a good man? No of course not nor am I and nor are you if we are honest with ourselves.
The Bible says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10) I think we as believers often begin to think that our salvation makes us better than someone else but in reality we are better off but not better. There is nothing good in us that brings us our salvation.
Without the help of Jesus clothing us in His righteousness we are just as wicked and capable of the same wickedness as say the vilest in history. The biggest problem is that most Christians are more Republican then they are Christian. We fall into party line and begin to see members of the opposing party as our enemies.
We also tend to consider America “God’s nation” and anyone who does contrary then we believe best for our nation is suddenly an enemy of God as a result. My disagreements with the President are many but when I speak of our nation’s leader it is with respect and dignity because as our leader he deserves such honor. Let me give you a few Biblical reasons for doing this.
1. All leaders are chosen by God:
“While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Daniel 4:31-32)
2. All authority is God ordained:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)
3. We are commanded to submit to governing authorities:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:1-2)
4. We are commanded to honor our nation’s leader:
“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)
5. Paul showed honor even to less than honorable leaders:
“But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” (Acts 26:25)
6. God desires all to be saved including leaders:
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
7. We are commanded to pray for leaders and prayer cannot be mixed with animosity:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
8. Were it not for the grace of God we would be as wicked as they are:
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:1-5)
9. No civic leader is our enemy:
“ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
When you think about our leaders, or talk about them make sure your words are in line with what Scripture teaches and not so much like the world that you sound more like the culture than an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Beacon 